Know-How Exchange : Strategy

This is a very broad question, which is basically unanswerable (at least in any way that would be helpful to you). To provide better responses, we'd need to know what products, what markets, what geography, what is special about these products (why would someone want them instead of what is already on the market), etc. If you respond with some more details, we may be able to provide helpful answers.

You need to stand out from the herd when it comes to business. You need to be better, stronger and more adaptable than your competitors. No one wants to be eaten by those lions. No, in fact, it's quite the opposite; you need to attract the other kind of consumer. You need to be eye-catching, fresh and hard to pass by. And if you have a brand you have an immediate advantage because you have a backbone, or a frame work, on which to hang your products.

A branded business carries with it an ideology. If people know the brand they know the company and what it stands for.


But what is a brand?

A brand is the set of values, ideals, strengths and weaknesses that become tied to your business. A brand carries with it the power to inspire and influence your customers; it creates a set of subconscious associations in their minds and sets you apart from the herd.

What do you think of when you think of a top brand?


Quality
Reliability
Customer service
Or do you think of their advertising campaigns?


Their Logos
Their Slogans
Their Promises
It's amazing how much advertising promotion we absorb every day. Logos, slogans and associated advertising methods (particularly background music) stick like mud. "The car in front is a (?)"..."I'm loving it"... "Think different"... "Welcome to our Network"...

Just a few, but I'm certain you can name the brands.

Remember don't limit yourself; putting blinkers on is a way of staying focused; but it also leads to missed opportunities.

I''m a tad more basic in commenting - there are two types of retail outlets - Big Boxes and independents (this includes regional chains)
Any new product, unless proprietary and really really unique has little chance at the Big Boxes.
The other 50% or sporting goods business in the hundreds/thousands of independents that look for the unique items.
If you get good "numbers'' with independents; the Big Boxes will find you.
This business model''s timeline is longer but (unless you have a purple cow) but more profitable and you can grow at a pace that is acceptable.
If you need some further insight, drop a note

Help us to help you and be more specific. Which sport? What gear? What kind of buyer? What kind of price point? What kind of frequency of purchase? Which seasons?